Family rescues a lost "puppy" only to realize they accidentally brought a coyote pup home, so they take him to a shelter where he gets paired up with the cutest foster brother: 'The two became friends very quickly'

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Mar 24, 2025 7:00 PM EDT

It is a good day when a story like this one happens - when someone rescues a dog and then something unexpected and strange occurs. Not because of the strange thing but because the story starts with a dog rescue, and that is the part that really matters. So few people actually stop and take time out of their busy days to help an animal in need, so each and every one that does deserves all the praise in the world, even if what they rescued actually ended up… not being a dog at all. 

This family thought that they were rescuing a regular puppy, but what they actually brought home was a coyote pup. You wouldn't know it. Looking at the tiny thing, you could totally think that it is a regular puppy, but alas, it was not. And its rightful place was not with humans. So, the family did the right thing and took the pup to a shelter where, thankfully, it was given a little special family of its own. 

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    Cheezburger Image 10484325120
    via Cape Wildlife Center

  • First of all, we want to say thank you to the person who rescued this baby coyote, even if they didn't realize that is what they were rescuing. We need more people in the world who are willing to go out of their way to help an animal in need, and this is what they did, and that is what matters. 

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    Cape Wildlife Center The Eastern Coyote pup was separated from his family last week and was found wandering and distressed by the side of a busy road. He was then accidentally taken home by a local family after they mistakenly identified him as a lost puppy. After realizing their mix up they called us for assistance. With the help of the Mass Department of Public Health we were able to determine there was no potential exposure risk to rabies, and were able to clear him for care and granted permi
    via Cape Wildlife Center
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    He is now recovering comfortably in one of our isolation wards, but will not be on his own for long! A foster sibling has just arrived from @riwildliferehab and they will soon be introduced.
    via Cape Wildlife Center
  • 04
    Once both pups receive their vaccinations they will be raised together and will be given a chance grow and learn natural behaviors in our large outdoor caging. We work hard to give them as much of a natural upbringing as possible, and will work to replicate the essential behaviors and skills they learn from mom and dad.
    via Cape Wildlife Center
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    This case had a happy ending, but it could have easily gone differently. Coyotes are considered a Rabies vector species in MA and are susceptible to contracting the virus that is deadly to all mammals including people. If the finders had been bitten, scratched, or had extended contact we would have been mandated to euthanize the pup and test for rabies. We are grateful to every single person who takes time out of their day to help wildlife when they are need, but we always encourage people to ca
    via Cape Wildlife Center
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    We will keep you updated on their progress and will share some photos of their introduction. Thank you for your support! #secondchances #wildliferehab #springishere #coyote #wildlifeveterinarymedicine #naturelovers #goodnews
    via Cape Wildlife Center
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    Cheezburger Image 10484326656
    via Cape Wildlife Center

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    Cape Wildlife Center is at New England Wildlife Center. Look who is all grown up and ready for release!) The orphaned coyote who was mistaken for a German Shepard puppy earlier this year and received national attention is running free in the wild once again! After 6 long moths of rehab this pup has made incredible strides. He is wild by all accounts and is exhibiting all of the correct behaviors and skills. Weighing in at just over 40 pounds he has a healthy appetite and has been increasingly ac
    via Cape Wildlife Center
  • 09
    He was released today with a foster sibling who we paired with him since they were just a few weeks old. She was also orphaned and was transferred to our hospital after receiving care at Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island. The two became friends very quickly have been inseparable ever since. Because they had each other as companions they have remained wild and weary of humans. Releasing them as a unit will hopefully increase their survival rate in the wild. While some coyotes ma
    via Cape Wildlife Center
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    Cheezburger Image 10484328192
    via Cape Wildlife Center
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    Cheezburger Image 10484325888
    via Cape Wildlife Center

  • Second, we have to say… that we would have fallen for this too. From afar, we definitely would have thought that this was a regular puppy, because that is what it looks like! And although we would have done the right thing and gave it away, just like this person did, we just know that it would have been one of the hardest things that we had to do. 

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    Phyllis M. Spy He is stunning... Looking forward to the day when he returns to his rightful place in the wild.
    via Phyllis M. Spy
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    Judy Chute So kind of the people that picked him up...thinking a puppy lost. But, then realizing not a pup of the canine type...made the call for help. Very glad all worked out...would have been extremely sad for him to suffer whatever would have happened in the wild, on the road at his age...
    via Judy Chute
  • 14
    Jamie Marie He's so stinking cute! Glad the family who helped him is all okay and thanks for giving him a second chance!
    via Jamie Marie
  • 15
    Mary Donovan Thankfully he was rescued by good people who care about animals. Now he has a chance for a good coyote life thanks to Cape Wildlife Center. Perfect.
    via Mary Donovan
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    Denise Wallace Kampersal We had a coy dog (1/2 coyote 1/2 domestic) for 16 yrs. She was our precious fur baby. Never vicious or even nippy. We kept her constantly updated on her shots and meds. The vet knew what she was, he was the one who informed us of her breed when we first found her as a pup. Wouldn't have traded her for the world and we still miss her. She was loyal and very protective of her family.
    via Denise Wallace Kampersal
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    Melissa Thompson I'm so glad he's getting a foster sibling to bond with 00
    via Melissa Thompson
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    Jo Myers Thompson Thank you for giving them both a chance for a natural life. So grateful that they have each other.
    via Jo Myers Thompson

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